Image composing apparatus

Abstract

An image composing apparatus adapted to produce a composite image in which a value of each of picture elements is represented by a maximum value or minimum value of the brightness of a video signal as well as a corresponding other signal at the instant of the maximum or minimum value. A composite image is formed in which a value of each of picture elements is represented by a count of synchronizing signals or an externally applied timing, position or angle indicative external input signal at an instant that the video signal attains the maximum value or the minimum value for each picture element.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An image composing apparatus comprising: Image composing means whereby external input signals are inputted and simultaneously a video signal inputted from a television camera is processed from moment to moment for a predetermined period of time to form a composite image in which a value of each of picture elements is represented by a value of corresponding one of said external input signals at an instant that a level of said video signal becomes highest or lowest during said predetermined period of time.   
     
     
       2. An image composing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising synchronizing signal counting means for counting vertical synchronizing signals of said video signal inputted from said television camera or frequency-divided signals thereof to supply count outputs of said synchronizing signal counting means as said external input signals to said image composing means. 
     
     
       3. An image composing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein timing signals are inputted as said external input signals. 
     
     
       4. An image composing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein position signals are inputted as said external input signals. 
     
     
       5. An image composing means according to claim 1, wherein angle signals are inputted as said external input signals. 
     
     
       6. An image composing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said image composing means comprises: maximum brightness image memory means for storing a maximum level of said video signal for each of picture elements thereof within said predetermined period of time;   maximum brightness image processing means for comparing said video signal and a signal stored in said maximum brightness image memory means with respect to each corresponding picture elements thereof to write greater-valued one thereof into said maximum brightness image memory means;   composite image memory means for storing for each of said picture elements a count value of synchronizing signals or a value of one of said external input signals at an instant that said video signal attains the highest level during said predetermined period of time; and   composite image processing means whereby for each said picture element for which said maximum brightness image processing means determines that said video signal is greater than said signal stored in said maximum brightness image memory means, a count value of synchronizing signals or a value of one of said external input signals at the instant of said determination is written into said composite image memory means.   
     
     
       7. An image composing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said image composing means comprises: minimum brightness image memory means for storing a minimum level of said video signal for each of picture elements thereof within said predetermined period of time;   minimum brightness image processing means for comparing said video signal and a signal stored in said minimum brightness image memory means with respect to each corresponding picture elements thereof to write smaller-valued one thereof into said minimum brightness image memory means;   composite image memory means for storing for each of said picture elements a count value of synchronizing signals or a value of one of said external input signals at an instant that said video signal attains the minimum level during said period of time; and   composite image processing means whereby for each said picture element for which said minimum brightness image processing means determines that said video signal is smaller than said signal stored in said minimum brightness image memory means, a count value of synchronizing signals or a value of one of said external input signals at the instant of said determination is written into said composite image memory means.